Li Mi (Shu Han)

Li Mi (李密) (224 – 287), courtesy name Lingbo (令伯), was a prominent official and scholar of the Shu Han and Jin dynasties of China.

Life:

Li Mi was born in Wu Yang (武陽, present-day Pengshan District, Sichuan). He originally served as a court attendant (郎) in the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. After Shu Han's conquest by the Cao Wei state in 263, Li Mi retired to care for his ailing grandmother, Liu Shi.

Following the establishment of the Jin dynasty in 266, Emperor Wu of Jin, Sima Yan, repeatedly summoned Li Mi to serve in the imperial court. Li Mi famously declined these invitations, citing his devotion to his grandmother. He penned the Memorial to Advise against Advancement (陳情表), a poignant and eloquent appeal to the emperor that has become a classic of Chinese literature. In the memorial, Li Mi expressed his desire to remain with his grandmother and fulfill his filial duties.

Emperor Wu was deeply moved by Li Mi's sincerity and filial piety. He eventually granted Li Mi's request and allowed him to stay with his grandmother, even providing financial support for their care. After his grandmother's death, Li Mi finally agreed to serve the Jin court. He held several positions, including Gentleman Attendant (散騎郎), and became known for his learning and integrity.

Legacy:

Li Mi is primarily remembered for his exceptional filial piety and the moving Memorial to Advise against Advancement. The memorial remains a widely studied piece of classical Chinese prose and is revered for its sincere emotion, elegant language, and profound understanding of human relationships and Confucian values. Li Mi's story has become a symbol of filial piety in Chinese culture.